The merger would create the United States’ first coast-to-coast rail network, spanning 50,000 miles and 43 states.

Omaha-based Union Pacific Railroad’s announcement Tuesday that it is acquiring the Norfolk Southern Railway — a move that would create the first transcontinental, coast-to-coast rail system — drew praise from Nebraska’s public and business leaders.

Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern are confirming they're in merger talks that would create North America’s largest railroad, stretching service from East to West Coasts. The Associated Press reported